While playing tunes at home, you may wonder if cats like music? And if they do, what kind of music do cats like? Though you don't see your kitty tapping their paws to the beat, could they be enjoying the rhythm? Let's see what scientists and musicians have to say about the subject.
What Kind of Music Do Cats Like?
Do cats like music? The proof is in the purr. In the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, researchers concluded that cats do in fact dig music — as long as it's music they like. But what kind of music do cats like, and how do we know? After all, they can't tell us if they prefer a Mozart symphony to a Brahms.
David Teie, an accomplished cellist who's played with performers ranging from the National Symphony Orchestra to Metallica, composes music with tempos that mimic purrs, bird chirps and even nursing. He makes "species-appropriate music," which he fittingly calls Music for Cats. He gave his music to researchers to study and to test his theory that cats — especially young cats and kittens — strongly prefer species-appropriate music to music made for humans.
What does cat-specific music sound like? "In some tracks, sounds similar to the chirps of birds are overlaid with hurried streams of staccato for an energizing effect," reports The New York Times. "In others, crescendos of purring and suckling sounds are designed to relax."
Currently, music made specifically for cats is intended to soothe them, not to get them to dance. As Teie tells The Telegraph, this is partly because speakers "don't make noises which are high-pitched enough" to transmit more lively sounds that cats can hear. Cats are able to hear frequencies up to 64,000 hertz while humans can only hear frequencies between 20 and 20,000 hertz, according to the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (JAHVMA). Put another way, cats will enjoy music that is in the frequency range with similar tempos to those used in cats' natural communication says Megan Savage and Charles Snowdon (psychologists at the University of Wisconsin) in a PBS article.
But how do these scientists determine that a cat actually likes this music? Researchers would notate how much cats would purr, rub against the speakers or orient their head and ears toward the music says Smithsonian Magazine.
Tasty Tips
Do Cats Like Music at Home?
While cats favor species-specific sounds, this doesn't mean that you should avoid playing human music for them. What's most important is the type of music you choose.
Dr. Susan Wagner, who specializes in music therapy for animals, outlines for JAHVMA a study in which classical, pop and rock music were played for 12 cats during spay procedures. The cats reacted most positively to classical music, followed by pop. Heavy metal, though, raised their heart rate and increased their pupil size; in other words, rock music stressed them out.
As for when to play music for your kitty, any time is a good time. If you choose to leave on your music player or TV while you're out of the house, stick with calming music. Cats of all ages will appreciate soothing sounds, whether classical music, nature sounds or music created specifically for them. Can playing music for kittens in the womb help with development, as it does for human babies? There's no scientific evidence to back it up, but it probably wouldn't hurt.
Curating a Cat Playlist
If you're interested in creating a playlist for your feline friend, take into consideration the sound frequencies cats prefer. Teie uses the cello, piano, flute and harp to create his music — instruments you'll find in the works of Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Puccini. All of these composers frequently appear on curated cat playlists.
If you're not a fan of classical music, look for other styles that appeal to you and your cat, such as New Age music or nature sounds. Kick back, turn up the tunes and relax with your furry pal.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe cat food
20% lower calories vs. Hill's Science Diet Adult
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe cat food
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Related articles
Tips for Socializing Your Kitten with People & Other Pets
It's important to introduce your new kitten to kids, strangers and family pets early in their development to help raise a well-adjusted, socializing cat.
Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws? Can it Become Excessive?
Learn common reasons why cats lick their paws, as well as signs when it might be excessive (such as hair loss) & what to do if it seems like a problem.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
Learn how the history behind different registries of cat breeds, how each registry differs in their classifications, and if new breeds are accepted.
Cat & Kitten Swollen Belly: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn the many causes that can give your cat or kitten a swollen belly, from organ-related issues to simple gas, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.
My Cat Ate Marijuana: Is It Toxic for Them?
If your cat ate marijuana, learn what steps you should take. Learn how weed & THC can affect cats, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.
Do Cats Understand Mirrors?
Do cats understand mirrors? Find out what science can to tell us and how cats perceive their own reflections.
How to Put On a Cat Harness
Discover which harness style is best for your feline friend and learn how to put on a cat harness. Take your kitty for a stroll knowing they're secure.
Do Cats Like Music?
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Brushing your cat's teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Learn signs or oral health problems in your cat and how to avoid them.
Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out?
They look super cute when doing it, but why do cats stick their tongue out? Read on to find out what it means!
Managing Clingy Cats: Do I Have a Velcro Kitty?
Learn reasons why some cats are excessively clingy, how you can help curtail this behavior, and considerations when potentially adopting a Velcro kitty.
Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood?
Learn causes & symptoms associated with blood in cat urine, including underlying urinary tract problems or issues like FLUTD, as well as treatment options.
How Do You Manage Hairballs in Cats?
Most cat owners have to deal with hairballs at some point. Learn everything you need to know about hairballs and how to help your cat manage them.
The Cat Loaf: What Is It & Why Do Cats Loaf, Anyway?
Spend enough time with a cat and you're sure to spot the widely beloved "cat loaf." We'll explain what this quirky position is and why your cat does it.
Why Cats Like to Pounce
Discover the science and reason behind why cats like to pounce prey or toys, as well as peculiar behaviors to let you know when she's about to pounce.
Diabetes in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments
Know the causes of diabetes in felines to better understand how to prevent it in your cat. Ask your vet for treatment options.
Cat Food Taste & Types: Does My Cat Like Their Food?
Learn about different types of cat foods, why your cat might actually like certain ones over others and questions to ask your vet about cat food taste.
Safe Play Between Cats and Kids
Learn to help cats and kids enjoy fun and safe playtime together. From introductions to holding, here's how to play with cats when kids are involved.
Choosing a Vet for Your Cat? Consider These Factors
Choosing the right veterinary for your cat is very important to its health. Read through our list of things to consider when looking for a new vet.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.